When is the best time to observe Gamma Crateris?

Gamma Crateris is best observed from February through April, with peak visibility during March when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Gamma Crateris located in the sky?

Gamma Crateris lies in the constellation Crater at right ascension 11h 25m and declination -17° 41′.

What telescope do I need to split Gamma Crateris?

Splitting Gamma Crateris requires an aperture of roughly 100 mm or larger — the components are separated by about 4.4″ at magnitudes near 4.1. The companion is about 3.8 magnitudes fainter, so glare from the primary — not separation — sets the minimum aperture. Larger apertures and steady seeing help resolve the pair cleanly.

Gamma Crateris — Double Star in Crater

Observable Double Star Good (55/100)

Sep: 4.4", Companion: mag 7.9

Magnitude 4.1^m DoubleStar Crater (Crt) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

Observe

1Physical Properties

Magnitude 4.08

Spectral Type A5V

Star Color Yellow-white (B-V 0.21)

Distance 116 ly

2Position & Identifiers

RA 11h 24m 52.9s

Dec -17° 41' 02.0"

Constellation Crater (Crt)

HR 4405

HIP 55705

HD 99211

SAO 156661

Bayer Gamma

Flamsteed 15 Crt

Double Cat 8153

SIMBAD

3How easy to split?

Primary 4.1 mag Companion 7.9 mag Separation 4.4″

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Telescope	Bortle 3	Bortle 4	Bortle 5
80 mm refractor 80mm refr.	Hard+	Hard+	Hard+
150 mm Newton 150mm Newt.	Medium+	Medium+	Medium+
Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm	Easy	Easy	Easy

Easy Medium Hard Very hard Impossible

Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs

4Visibility

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Best season Feb – Apr (peak: Mar)

5Multiple Star System

Separation 4.4″

Companion Mag 7.9

Position Angle 92°

Star Colors A: Yellow-white B: Orange

Discoverer HJ 840

Separation over time

Measured 1827 → 2017 (190 y)

Separation drift 3.0" → 4.4" (+1.40")

Rate +0.0074" / y

PA drift 105° → 92° (-13°, -0.068°/y)

Slow change over generations — observable in lifetime comparisons.

Measured from the WDS observational archive. No orbital solution has been derived — most likely the period is too long to fit an orbit to the available measurement arc.